Discussion

Stephan Pyles not honoring OpenTable dining cheque

When we recently dined at Stephan Pyles, they refused to honor our recently-issued $50 OpenTable dining cheque. The manager came to our table and informed us that the owners had made the decision "not to participate" in that part of the program. We inquired how that could be, that they obviously participate in the program because we had made the reservation through OpenTable, and that both OpenTable's site and the Dining Cheque itself clearly indicate "Redeemable at any OpenTable restaurant in the US." The manager informed us that the owners do not participate in the redemption part of the program, and that he has had this discussion "many times!" We replied that it is just not right for a restaurant to do this, and that we would be contacting OpenTable.

Has anyone else had the same experience? We contacted OpenTable earlier today to inform them of the issue. I do not understand how they can allow a restaurant to take people's reservations, and therefore their money, but not require the same restaurant to accept a valid award certificate. If the manager has truly had this discussion "many times," I would expect others to have complained to OpenTable. So...has anyone?

You know, I have been a strong supporter of Pyles and his concerns. However, any slight brush I have with management for any reason (ie: a phone call over poor service when no manager was available the night I was there) they are taken aback and turn it into an ordeal that it shouldn't have, and with no real resolution. I think Pyle's has surrounded himself with some real dolt's that take away from his magic kingdom he is trying to set up. This is yet another example. Sad.

I've dealt with one of the Pyles managers. Having worked in a fine dining restaurant all through college, I was quite taken aback by the lack of "finesse." I'm not going to name names, but I just have never met a restaurant manager with such a lousy attitude. Sorry, but with the recession, I just can't justify ever going back to eat there.

Please note that I am an OpenTable company spokesperson. Clearly, we don’t like hearing about these types of situations happening to our diners. We recognize it is not a positive experience for an OpenTable diner to be told that a Dining Cheque is not honored, but we do know this is a very rare occurrence and hear about it very infrequently. We will follow-up with the restaurant in an effort to resolve the confusion. -- Caroline Potter

How? We ate, paid, dealt with a member of "management," and were absolutely rebuffed. Will they be sending us a $50 check? I highly doubt it. OpenTable has given us 500 points in our account ($5 worth, which apparently may not be redeemable.) According to the manager, they have done this "many time" before, and yet they are still allowed to take OpenTable reservations. The restaurant wins, OpenTable wins, and guess who loses? The customer.

This place survives on hype and the need for pretty people to be seen LOL: I've only been a guest to this place several times, (5 to be exact) and all I can say is there always, always, seems to be a problem. luckily, it's never my problem as I am not the one paying.

While good food is always a treat. The lack of professionalism from the service to the management team is lacking. There are so many great restaurants in Dallas that there is no need for us to go back again. I agree with a comment posted above that the GM has an attitude problem and that may be due to the fact that he is in over his head. Why are some of the supposedly great restaurants hiring kids to manage their restaurants? Makes no sense to me. When I go to a five star restaurant I expect 5 star service. Good luck Stephen as you are going to need it on this venture!